How to Create a Decluttering Schedule

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how to create a decluttering schedule

 

Our busy lives leave little time to declutter. The secret to getting and staying organized in decluttering on a regular basis. What does that look like? Perhaps it is time for a decluttering schedule. Here is how to create your customized schedule.

 

How do you know if you need a schedule?

The first big tip if you need a schedule is if no decluttering happens at your home. Much more comes in thanks to Amazon and other purchases than is removed. Maybe you don’t realize how little is leaving until you are overwhelmed by the clutter in your home. You might resist the idea of a schedule. Start with some small additions to your calendar with some flexibility. Adding a short burst of decluttering at a high energy time makes it easier to get this done. If you schedule monthly decluttering, for an hour, written in your calendar, you will begin to declutter with less effort.

 

Why does a schedule work?

Having a decluttering schedule adds consistency and accountability to your decluttering goals. With this schedule, your clutter will not accumulate to an overwhelming level. When you have set times and dates to declutter, you will fulfill your plan by simply following your calendar. The energy used for your schedule also gives you energy to spontaneously declutter. You realize when items have served their purpose, are ready to go because you have empowered your sense of decluttering.

 

How do you set up your decluttering schedule?

There are many ways to effectively schedule decluttering.

  • Use your existing routine to set up your schedule. Learn this by knowing your habits and what works for you. If you are a morning person, declutter in the morning. When you go to the grocery store, declutter the refrigerator first to add space for new products.
  • Set a schedule for decluttering on a routine basis, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.  Daily decluttering might be your bag or purse. Weekly decluttering could be trash in all spaces, which coincides with weekly trash pick up.
  • Make a list of areas to declutter and set one hour once a week to work in micro-steps in those spaces. Write that time on your calendar and the location of your efforts.
  • Seasonal decluttering can focus on family events. Declutter before each birthday and holiday.
  • Whatever your schedule, commit to it by writing it down and making a list. Seeing your work helps you keep to your schedule.
  • Pair a schedule with a strategy. You might choose the Konmari method or a Decluttering Challenge.  

Pro tips for successful decluttering

Decluttering is hard even with a schedule. Remember to set criteria for what is going to leave that helps remove the emotional or financial attachment to your stuff. Criteria should be clear and specific. You may need to bring in help such as a family member or professional organizer to create a little emphasis on your criteria. If you find yourself struggling over items, put those aside and work with the easiest decisions first. It is easiest to delete by category, so be sure to group together similar items to decide on what to keep.

 

A decluttering schedule might be what you need to ensure you are successful!

 

 

25 Strategies for Time Management for those with ADHD

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25 strategies for time management with adhd

 

Time management is just one of the Executive Function challenges of those with ADHD. With that comes a lack of time awareness and the effect of time blindness. Being on time for a meeting, meeting deadlines, and juggling priorities feels overwhelming at times. There are practical strategies that can make a difference.

1. Use Visual Timers and Analog Clocks

Use external tools that make it easier to “see” time. Leverage timers or countdown clocks to stay aware of time passing. Post analog clocks in places that will help you move forward with work and movement. The best places for an analog clock are easily in sight at you sit at your desk or in spaces that have no window.

2. Break Tasks into Small Steps

It is common for work to feel overwhelming when it is not broken into smaller sections. Chunk larger projects into manageable tasks to avoid overwhelm. For instance, to prepare your taxes, you an create tasks such as gather documents, list income, list medical expences, list other deductions, list estimated tax payments and so forth. Each step gets you closer to the completed project.

3. Prioritize Using a Top-Three List

Prevent being overwhelmed by the length of your list. Choose the three Most Important Tasks (MITs) to focus on each day. Write that list where you can see it all day long to keep on track.

4. Set Specific Time Blocks

Use time blocking to dedicate certain hours to specific activities. A time block can be of a duration that gives you optimal focus time. When blocks are too frequent it creates paralysis. Aim for a duration that you work best.

5. Create a Daily Routine

Your daily routine is how you start the day, end the day, and start your work day. Create a checklist that helps you stay on track. The checklist helps you stay true to your plan. Consistency helps reduce decision fatigue and improves focus.

6. Use Alarms and Reminders

Alarms help us break through hyperfocus. Set multiple alarms for appointments, breaks, or task transitions. Remember to give yourself plenty of transition time to adhere to your schedule.

7. Adopt a Hybrid Calendar

There is no one perfect calendar. Your phone is with you all the time. You get online invitations to keep on your digital calendar. At the same time, you crave seeing the calendar and writing stuff down. The best way to calendar is with a hybrid combination that integrates a shared or personal calendar for scheduling.

8. Time Tasks with Double and Triple Time Estimates

Since time awareness is not a strength, it is difficult to estimate how long tasks take. Give yourself ample time to work by doubling and tripling the amount of time given to any task or project. You will feel that you can do your best work this way.  Start any task or project as early as possible to give yourself this time allocation.

9. Start with a Brain Dump

A cluttered mind makes it hard to get stuff done. Write down all tasks cluttering your mind before organizing them. Remember this long list will be prioritized and streamlined. Having a list frees up mental space to be available for real work. Choose a way to make your brain dump manageable by arranging it by category or urgency. Take the next step wth a daily and weekly list.

10. Set Boundaries for Distractions

There are so many distractions in our lives. Eliminate or limit distractions by silencing notifications or creating a focused workspace. Set a boundary for sleep and rest with charging your devices in a common charging space, not in your bedroom. Your boundaries will help you feel more productive and better rested.

11. Follow the Two-Minute Rule

It is hard to come back to a task. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.

12. Practice Time Blocking with Breaks

Mental capacity is improved with breaks. Schedule short breaks between work sessions to reset focus. Take a walk, hydrate or text a friend to take a break and clear your mind.

13. Designate a “Landing Zone”

Looking for lost items is frustrating and time-consuming. Create a specific area for essentials like keys, wallet, or phone to save time searching. You will feel better as you start and end your day knowing where your essentials are at all times.

14. Use Color-Coding

Color can help you categorize your day. Color-code your calendar or to-do list to visually differentiate tasks such as starting the day, deep dive work, and break time. Seeing each segment helps you adhere to your plan. You can also color code your family activities on your calendar by person, activity or task.

15. Start with the Easiest Task

It feels good to accomplish a bit quickly and easily. Build momentum by checking off simple tasks first. Keep a list of quick tasks to get done to feel energized.

16. Practice Body Doubling

The science behind body doubling is that working parallel lends energy to both workers. Work alongside a friend or coworker to stay on track. You will be amazed at the results.

17. Set a “Done-for-the-Day” Time

Because time is blurry, overworking and undefined end times for work contribute to feeling drained. Define when to stop working to have time for self-care and fun. That time should be the same every day. If you decide to work longer one day, make it the same day every week.

18. Use Post-It Notes for Key Reminders

Post-it notes make everything easy to see. Place visual reminders where you’ll see them. Edit your notes once a week for clarity and to reset your goals. A favorite post-it note of mine is the 4 by 6 size with lines.

19. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Batching works well in many situations. Rather than return a single call or make a single appointment, group similar or repetitive tasks to save time and gain momentum.

20. Avoid Multitasking

Research shows that you lose time and efficiency when you multi-task. Allow yourself to do your best. Focus on one task at a time to reduce errors and stay efficient. If you are distracted by multiple tasks, write a quick list on a Post-it note to clear your mind.

21. Embrace the Power of Deadlines

Deadlines always make things happen. Set specific, short-term deadlines to create small steps for a tasks with specific outcomes. It is easier to accomplish a long term deadline with smaller chunks of deadlines.

22. Create a Reward System

Small rewards are often a key motivator. That can be a punch card with 5-10 punches for a reward. Or it can be a jar with small rewards listed by you that you reward after you accomplish particularly unmotivating tasks.

23. Declutter Your Workspace Regularly

A cluttered workspace is highly distracting. Keep your space organized to minimize visual distractions by having a weekly reset. Clear cups, toss trash and move items back to their homes to gain clarity.

24. Leverage ADHD-Friendly Apps

Many apps leverage your strengths. Choose to learn and use apps like Todoist, Notion, or Trello for tracking and planning. Each has many ways that can enhance reminders, calendars, and overall project success.

25. Practice Self-Care

The most important productivity tip is to practice self-care which includes high-protein meals, 8 hours of rest in bed, some walking outside, and hydration. Self-care is also the most difficult to accomplish. Set yourself up for success by taking time to take care of yourself.

 

Choose one of these strategies to implement and see the difference!

Unlocking the Power of Keystone Habits

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keystone habits

 

Each of us has daily habits we rely on. That could be making our bed every day, drinking 8 glasses of water, or even falling asleep with the TV on or hitting snooze too many times. Certain habits have a bigger impact and have a ripple effect that influences many areas of life. These powerful habits are called keystone habits, and they act as the foundation for organizing, productivity, and overall well-being.

What Are Keystone Habits?

Keystone habits are routines or behaviors that trigger positive changes in multiple areas of your life. Just like dominoes, the natural impact of one habit hits another habit. When you establish one, it naturally encourages other good habits to fall into place. Keystone habits create a structure for your life, which helps you make better choices without overthinking them. Habits fall more naturally into place. Keystone habits set off a chain reaction of positive change. Try thinking about one of these six powerful keystone habits this week.

 

Quality Sleep

Getting a good night’s rest is a keystone habit that impacts every part of your life. Restful sleep leads to better brain function, better decision-making, and increase energy. That energy helps you perform better throughout the day and stay with all your other good habits.  Start this keystone habit by preparing for bed extra early. Get ready well ahead of your planned bedtime and set aside all devices for an hour.

 

Regular Exercise

Exercise is a game-changer when it comes to keystone habits. Exercise boosts your mood, increases energy levels, improves focus, and enhances self-discipline. Get started with a daily walk, try online yoga, park farther away, or take the stairs. Use your smartwatch to help you remember your new keystone habit.

 

Daily Planning

The simple habit of writing things down can lead to significant benefits. Writing stuff down can be done either by using a planner or journaling every day. Using a planner helps you stay organized, reduces anxiety, and improves time management. Journaling is a type of self-care that encourages self-reflection, gratitude, and mindfulness. Both habits create structure and clarity in your day. Start small by choosing a simple planner or journal that is both pretty and functional. Place it in a spot where it will be used daily. Choose writing implements that feel good in your hand. Choose a time of day that works with capturing your ideas and thoughts.

 

Meal planning

The way you eat and what you eat affects everything, from your energy levels to your mood and productivity. Mindful impacts awareness and intentionality in every part of your day. Especially important is including protein in your meal plan. Get started in a small way by making a list of foods that will be easy to prepare and what you love to eat. Start meal planning slowly by purchasing healthy boxed meals that are quick to prepare. Choose fruits and veggies that are pre-cut in the grocery store as snacks to carry with you. Partner with your family in meal planning and preparation.

 

Connection

Strong relationships reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve resilience. Prioritizing quality time with loved ones fosters a sense of belonging and emotional security. A quick text can make a big difference. Social support makes it easier to maintain routines such as exercising and healthy eating. Make this a keystone habit by setting time for family dinner, joining a pilates or yoga class, or sending a handwritten card.

 

Daily learning

Making daily learning a keystone habit helps us expand our knowledge and creativity. Perhaps you have gotten bored with all the routines. By encouraging curiosity and problem-solving, you are boosting your clarity and cognitive abilities. Daily learning can start with reading a new blog, listening to a podcast, or writing in your journal.

You don’t have to start every keystone habit or overhaul all you do. Start with just one habit and see how it leads to other positive changes. When you focus on building strong foundational routines, everything else begins to fall into place effortlessly. Which keystone habit will you start with today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey to a more productive and fulfilling life!

 

 

25 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Organized Every Day

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25 simple ways to keep your home organized every day

I am celebrating 25 years in business! Throughout the year I will be sharing 25 tips on many different topics. 

 

Keeping your home organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few practical and easy strategies, you can create a calm, functional, and welcoming space. Whether tackling a single room or the entire house, these 25 tips will help you bring order to every corner of your home.

1. Start Small

Begin with one drawer, shelf, or corner. Small wins build momentum for larger organizing projects.

2. Declutter Regularly

When you feel overwhelmed, it is time to declutter. Use that feeling to edit and declutter. Take one minute to drop what you no longer need or love into a donation bag. Just that small release empowers you to release more.

3. Use Clear Bins

Clear containers make it easy to see what’s inside, which saves time and frustration. Make it easy to see what you have and know you have it, which is also money-saving.

4. Label Everything

Labels keep your storage system clear for everyone in the household. A label maker is an easy, efficient, and clear product that helps you label. Or you can take your labeling to the next step with lovely labels purchased online at Etsy or Amazon. You can buy a set for a specific space like a pantry or other area of your home.

5. Designate a Home for Everything

When everything is out, there are not enough homes for specific items. Ensure each item has a designated spot to return to after use. The best place to create a home is at the designated point of use. If that spot does not have adequate space, it is time to declutter.

6. Tackle Paper Clutter

Sort mail and paperwork daily. Take the next steps always and create a specific home for the papers once sorted. That might be a file system or simply one box for the year. Use a filing system to manage important documents.

7. Use Vertical Space

There are spots you might not be using for effective storage. Install shelves, hooks, and over-the-door organizers to maximize storage potential. Shop online for products to help with these creative storage spaces.

8. Rotate Seasonal Items

It is common for us to use additional, secondary storage. Store out-of-season clothes and decorations in labeled bins or an additional hanging rack to free up space. Turn the hangers backwards to see what you wore that is stored in this space. Cull out what has not been worn in several years.

9. Organize by Category

“Kondo” your organizing by using categories to organize. For easy access, that is to group similar items, like kitchen utensils or office supplies. Think of creative categories that match the way you think to create zones and an organized space.

10. Invest in Drawer Dividers

A drawer can be a big hole when it comes to organizing. Use dividers or baskets to prevent drawers from becoming catch-alls and keep items neatly separated. Be sure to label the spaces inside the drawer as well.

11. Create a Donation Box

The easiest way to declutter is to have a donation box. Keep a box handy for items you’re ready to part with and donate regularly.

12. Utilize Under-Bed Storage

When you think about access and extra storage, think about under-bed storage. Store less-used items in bins under your bed to save closet space.

13. Make Use of Hooks

Hooks make it easy to see what you have and easy to maintain a space. Hooks are perfect for organizing bags, hats, and coats in entryways or closets. Command hooks or decorative hooks create a nook for you to use as a landing strip in your entry.

14. Corral Cords

One of the ugly side effects of technology is the many cords around us. Use cord organizers or zip ties to manage electronic cables and chargers. Set up a common charging station to minimize cords.

15. Organize the Fridge

The inside of your refrigerator is like any other cabinet. Use bins to group similar foods and clean out expired items weekly on trash day.

16. Create a Cleaning Schedule

A tidy house is easy to organize. Creating a cleaning schedule and assigning family members to help make it easier to clean. Break down cleaning tasks by day to avoid overwhelming catch-up sessions.

17. Optimize Kitchen Storage

Add storage to your existing cabinets and drawers with a little help from organizing products. Use shelf risers, lazy Susans, and stacking containers to maximize cabinet space.

18. Designate Drop Zones

A drop zone for essentials saves time and frustration. It is as simple as setting up trays or baskets for keys, wallets, and mail near the entrance or on a dresser in a bedroom.

19. Sort Toys by Type

Toy rooms are overwhelming to both kiddos and parents. Use labeled bins or baskets for categories like blocks, dolls, or art supplies to make cleanup easier. Apply the same effort to game stations.

20. Purge Expired Products

Purchasing in preparation can lead to lots of expirations. Go through pantry items, toiletries, and medications to eliminate expired goods at the beginning and end of each season.

21. Maintain Closet Order

Love the look of order in your closet but get behind in getting dry cleaning or laundry back in order? Make it easy by hanging clothes by category or color and using matching hangers for a uniform look. Set aside a weekly time to reset your closet back to order.

22. Keep Counters Clear

No need to be a minimalist, however, you can limit counter items to essentials to reduce visual clutter. In the bathroom, set a tray with what you use regularly including a small dish for jewelry. In the kitchen use a tray to lay keys, wallets, and other essentials. When items stray off the tray, it is time for a reset.

23. Store Linens Smartly

Cull out extra linens and use shelf dividers or baskets to keep sheets and towels neatly stacked.

24. Embrace a weekly reset

Life is busy! With little time to put things away, your home gets out of order. Set a weekly time each weekend to prepare for the week ahead with a reset of getting everything back in order.

25. Involve the Family

Teach everyone in your home these organizing habits for shared responsibility and maintenance.

 

Start with one small step to implement organizing in your home. Remember, only you know what is best for an organized home that works for you and your family. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a tidy and efficient living space!

 

Adapting to Unprecedented Change

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Adapting to unprecedented change

 

I am noticing a common conversation this year. It is a conversation at my home and with clients. How did life get so complicated? How is it that so much is changing and that change feels harder? This conversation is going on all around us! Recently listening to Brene Brown, I learned that we are in a super cycle of change. There is an unprecedented amount of change at an unprecedented velocity. Here are some strategies on how will we work with this amount of change.

 

Lay a strong foundation of self-care

When velocity is beyond our capacity, we have the power to pause. A strong foundation of self-care gives us the knowledge of when to pause. It is especially important to have a bedtime that supports a great night’s sleep. Being wise means creating a supportive environment with a common changing area for devices in the kitchen, getting ready for bed an hour in advance with no blue light, keeping your bedroom dark, and lowering the temperature in your home.

 

Maximize the value of organizing

Being proactive means being prepared. Tidy up your physical space, your mental clarity and your digital space while change is happening.  That includes systems for letting go and decluttering, categorizing and grouping, and then organizing and maintaining. Allocate time each week to keep the flow of organizing going at home and work. Being organized includes ways to anticipate obstacles and work to eliminate the element of surprise. Well-crafted systems take challenges into account and anticipate issues in the system. Strategize on what would go wrong in your new system and what would be Plan B or Plan C if needed. Recognize the objections of others on your team and work together to build a better system.

 

Take a perspective of curiosity and learning

Lead with curiosity on how you can learn when change happens. Learn a new skill or create a new system for home and work.  Become comfortable with creating “hacks” as you learn more. As you embrace learning, change feels more comfortable. Your perspective of learning will lean into personal and professional growth.

 

Be a data nerd

There is so much data around us now. You might have an Apple watch that tells your sleep pattern and daily step count. You have access to your financial accounts and credit reports. Use your data wisely with a healthy dose of skepticism. Remember that most information on social media is coming to you with an algorithm and curate that wisely. Learn from the data and make wise choices based on this information.

 

Surround yourself with support

All manner of support is around you. There is help available for all sorts of learning. The first step is to ask for help in the areas you need. Know and acknowledge that asking for help means you are proactively taking positive steps for yourself.  Move into a space of learning and connection to research the help you need. Look for people to be a part of your team who work well with change as well. Learn to be a helper to others as well. If you can give s short cut, share a meal, or give a hug, you are giving back. Remember we are all in this together.

 

Maintaining a positive perspective with change

There are many times when we look forward to change. A few of these are going to college, getting married, having children, buying your first home, or taking a vacation.  Each change includes experiencing something new, at a cost, involving modifying a lifestyle choice. Each of these changes involves agency, that being the opportunity for you to make decisions about the changes. When you are making a change that is forced on you, it is important to create a strong positive reason you connect with every day to have a positive perspective.

 

Giving yourself grace and lots of self-care.

You have high expectations. That saying, if Plan A fails there is the rest of the alphabet. Stay the course and give yourself grace. Change occurs over the long haul. Expect imperfection and those obstacles already assessed. Self-care can always be your best route to processing and accepting change. I notice that everyone does better with a good night’s rest. If it is a rough day, get in your jammies and get in bed early without your devices. Another option is being outside and getting exercise. You will feel much better after a short walk than after time on your device so get outside. Have a headache? Grab a big glass of water. You know yourself best to know how to take the best care of yourself.

 

As the year begins, I recommend doing a recap. Write out your recap and look back on all your resilience this year. Allow yourself to acknowledge all the successes you have had this year. This is a starting point for the new year.

7 Ways to Declutter Your Stuff and Your Life

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7 ways to declutter your stuff and life

 

If all the fa la la la la ended up with add to cart, January is the antidote to over consumption. Freshening up your space and clearing out are what everyone feels as the new year begins. Check out these 7 ways to declutter your stuff and life.

 

Always start small

Make it easy to start with a small start. That means setting a timer for 15 minutes and filling a donation bag. Go room to room to find easy to donate items that have been ready to go for a while. Or start in a small space like your make up drawer or top dresser drawer to sort, categorize and let go of what you have stuffed in there when you needed to clear a counter.

 

Go for the low hanging fruit

You have moved stuff all year long that has no place in your home. It is time for it to go out into the universe. Fill a bag with those things that has frustrated you all year long. Instantly you will feel the difference.

 

Go KonMari

Likely you did not know how many (fill in the blank) you had because these were all over. Marie Kondo suggests gathering all the items together and then organizing. Categorize items that have been spread out, evaluate how many you need and let go of your over abundance.

 

Host a paper purge

Maybe your paper and mail have been stuffed away for a while. Grab it and head to a big table to sort and purge. Create recycle, shred, and keep piles. Paper sorting may be your most hated activity so put on a happy playlist to keep you moving.

 

Overview your over-commitment

The holidays may have been a little too busy. Maybe you are overwhelmed by looking at your January calendar and all your over-commitment. January is a great time to winnow down and prioritize your time. Look over your volunteering and other commitments and determine which are meaningful and purposeful for you. Having less on your calendar and more white space gives you opportunity to think.

 

Join a challenge

Join an online decluttering challenge for connecting and accountability. Each day you are assigned an area to work on. There is lots of fun connecting to others who are also decluttering and lots of accountability to act on your intentions.

 

Systemize it

Make your decluttering last all year with a system to declutter. Whether that is a chart for each space in your home, an appointment with a certified professional organizer or coach, or a game with rewards, you are making your decluttering a part of your daily life with a system that reinforces letting go.

 

Check in each week for a new perspective on decluttering this January. Next up! Thinking about downsizing and how to be ready when the time comes!

 

 

Add Yourself to Your Holiday List with the Gift of Self-Care

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The holiday season is filled with family and friends. Would it be possible for you give yourself a gift this season by putting yourself on your holiday list with self-care?  It might be difficult to think about putting yourself first, but here are a few strategies that can make your holiday season easier and more joyful.

 

Set healthy boundaries first

The holiday season is a season of “yes” with holiday parties, gift giving, and family activities. Knowing when to say “enough” is your first step toward setting healthy boundaries. Make a list of all that is included in the holiday season and plan ahead on what will be most important to attend. By pre-planning your boundary, it is easier to say no when needed.  Happy boundaries are what empower us to do our best.

 

Abide by your foundations of self-care

Heathy habits are important to maintain during the holidays. Always prioritize a good night’s sleep so that you are ready to wrangle what’s coming at you. Grocery shop to keep healthy nutritious options ready to go. Add in a few extra steps to keep your mood jolly and your waistline trim

 

Routines rock

Maintain your and your kiddos’ schedules for everyone’s benefit. Routines help everyone feel in control and less anxious. Prepare for travel and company with a family meeting focusing on expectations. Reset routines as the holiday progresses to include extra rest and time to recuperate.

 

Self-care includes self-focus

Take time for the things that bring you joy. Have one joyful activity just for you once a day.  That could be a hot bath, a cup of hot cocoa, a brisk walk, or downtime to read. Alone time provides you time to regroup and re-energize.

 

Another aspect of self-focus is to concentrate on what makes YOU happy. How many times do you put others first? How important is it to make other’s happy? Asking yourself how to put yourself first is a work in progress and worthy of thought at this time of year.

 

Find joy in supporting others

So many around us are experiencing so much. Recently, Adam Grant wrote about “sonder,” the realization that everyone has a life as full and complex as your own. In realizing how much is going on around us, we can support others in many ways. Support of others brings joy to our souls in knowing that are helping and making a difference.

 

Embrace the season through your own self-care this holiday.

Creating Joyful Family Holiday Traditions and Meaningful Celebrations

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The holiday season is a time of joy, family togetherness, and creating lasting memories. Planning meaningful family traditions is one of the best ways to ensure that joy is at the heart of your celebrations. Whether you’re looking to start new traditions or refresh beloved ones, these ideas will help you create joyful holiday moments that everyone in the family will cherish. I have included our family traditions and those shared by my social media friends.

 

Holiday light scavenger hunts

Thank you to my daughter for our newest annual event – the holiday light scavenger hunt! Our family loves to look at holiday lights. The scavenger hunt (either paper or digital) brings a lot of joy to our evenings together.

 

Gingerbread House decorating party

Each year, we host a gingerbread house decorating party with pre-made houses and tea party treats. There are oodles of decorations, from candy to frosting. Treats include homemade and store-bought holiday-themed snacks. My grandkids especially appreciate this time together.

 

Ladies Gathering

A friend gathers the ladies in her family together every Christmas Eve. When they started the tradition, everyone lived in the same city and they took turns hosting. Now that they are spread out, they have our brunch on Zoom

 

Special Family Outing

Every year a friend’s family goes to dinner in Houston, then goes see the Christmas show at Second Baptist Woodway campus. On the trip, they hit up Starbucks and Sprinkles Cupcakes in Highland Village, open the sunroof, and turn up the Christmas music while they drive through River Oaks looking at the Christmas lights and beautifully decorated homes.

 

Family Movie Binging

Every family has their favorite holiday movies to watch throughout the season. Families gather to watch a favorite Christmas movie like Elf, Home Alone, The Polar Express, or A Christmas Carol. Families watch Hallmark holiday movies throughout the season.

 

Christmas Eve Traditions

  • On Christmas Eve everyone gets one gift, which is family matching pajamas. The family fixes gumbo and crawfish etouffee for dinner and watches movies together.
  • Families gather together to read the Bible and share the story of the birth of Jesus.
  • Our family attends the Christmas Eve service. We gather early for a big feast of everything Italian, ending with cream puffs made each year by Gigi.

 

Chanukah Traditions

  • Families light the menorah and sing the Hebrew prayers each evening of Chanukah.
  • Preparing a dinner of fried foods, including latkes. Fried in oil, latkes symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. These are typically served with applesauce or sour cream.
  • Our family had the tradition of one gift each night of Chanukah, brought to us by the Chanukah Fairy.

 

Family stay-cation ideas

Maybe this holiday season you will be staying in town and want some fun family activities. I especially love seeing Zoo Lights and spending time at the zoo. There are lots of activities for all your family in the local Houston area.

 

I would love to hear your family traditions create the magic of the season and bring joy and connection to your home.

How to Boost Productivity This Fall by Tackling Small Tasks Immediately

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How to boost productivity by tackling small tasks immediately

 

As the school year continues and we continue to learn, it is the perfect time to reassess productivity strategies looking to find more efficiency for daily life.  We often put aside a small task, thinking it will take too long to complete yet never come back to it. An effective approach is to commit to tackling small tasks as soon as possible. You can reduce overwhelm by quickly tackling a task rather than adding it to a long list. Here’s how you can harness the power of this strategy.

 

The Benefits of Quickly Tackling Small Tasks

So many times you know you have a task and put it aside because you don’t have enough time. At the same time, that unfinished tasks remains on your mind. Unfinished tasks are mental clutter than keeps you from focusing fully on true priorities. You can’t think as clearly as a result.  Small tasks build up quickly and there is a sense of never completing a day productively. Completing tasks quickly gives you a boost of momentum and a sense of accomplishment.

 

Try out David Allen’s Two Minute Rule Strategy

According to David Allen in the New York Times best seller Getting Things Done, the Two Minute Rule states that “If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” The idea to quickly execute these tasks, rather than listing these, while you have the attention to that task. Throughout the day there are many opportunities to take advantage of theTwo Minute Rule such as responding quickly or deleting an email, dropping papers at the command center or even putting away underwear in a drawer.

 

Automating Small Tasks that Take Little Brain Power

Another way to capitalize on the momentum of small tasks done quickly is to create a routine for these. Routines are often the best way to automate small tasks. Set one or two time blocks as transition times during the day. This transition can also include movement to handle these tasks. Moving quickly between areas in your office give you the opportunity to stand, walk, and drop items off to make progress.

Build a bigger team and delegate

Small, one step tasks can be delegated too. Set up an immediate system for delegating with a virtual assistant. Clearly communicate the task and what the standard operating procedure should be. Keep communication lines open to know when the task is complete and when it should be completed again. Delegating gives you time for priorities and builds opportunities for future delegation of bigger tasks and projects

 

Real-Life Examples of Immediate Task Handling

Here are some ways you can start incorporating this strategy into your daily life.

  • Start viewing your email through the lens of the Two Minute Strategy. Check email and respond to those that need a quick response or calendar entry.
  • Tidy up your work space and desk at the end of the day to put away items and reset for an organized next day.
  • Return a quick phone call or text right away.
  • Create an awareness of what you consider a Two Minute task and make a list of these. During your Weekly Planning, review upcoming tasks and evaluate this for further efficiency.

How Tackling a Small Task Prevents Procrastination

A big asset to tackling small tasks is preventing procrastination. At times we think a task will take so much time when in reality it is initiation that is the challenge. Getting started is part of Executive Function where the brain does the work of organizing, planning and doing. By using this strategy, you are preventing procrastination in many ways. You have created a rule for yourself that gets you moving. You can use this rule now for any bigger task or project too. What can you start for two minutes to begin a project?

 

Maybe 10 or 15 minutes is your sweet spot for small tasks in short bursts. Boost your productivity with this new strategy for getting tasks started and done. Choose one or two tasks to start with and review your progress.

How to Boost Your Decluttering and Organizing this Fall (especially for those with ADHD)

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How to boost decluttering and organizing this fall

 

This year has been busy! Maybe you have not had time to declutter or organize this year because of family commitments, extra projects at work, or feeling overwhelmed. You are likely motivated but it seems overwhelming to get started. It may not be clear where to start.  Check out these ways to get started, keep going and finish up your decluttering and organizing. You will feel both productive and energized after you move forward.

 

  • Get motivated by visualizing your newly organized space. Keep hold of a strong “why” you are making this effort. These will help you get started and stay on task.
  • Start small by picking one area or one category. Choose a small space like a section of a closet, one drawer or one cabinet. Or choose to edit all shirts, all kitchen appliances or all office supplies.
  • Work in short bursts. Set a timer for 15 minutes and fill one bag to give away. Working in a small amount of time makes this time highly efficient and productive. Often 15 minutes of work leads to more time decluttering.
  • Make a plan.  Write an appointment with yourself to declutter. Break it into manageable chunks. A plan keeps you accountable and prioritizes this work.
  • Make it fun. There are lots of Spotify music lists and podcasts to listen to while decluttering. Have a fun beverage nearby to hydrate and work at your highest energy time.
  • Use post-it or large notes while you declutter and organize.  Your notes will be Donate, Distribute, and Trash. Be sure you can see those notes as you work.
  • Rely on your visual clues to organizing. The saying “out of sight is out of mind” is real. If you have too many of an item, that makes it hard to see it. Edit down to a manageable amount for storage and organizing.
  • Work with a clutter buddy. Your clutter buddy can be in person or virtual. Get on the phone or facetime with someone to help you make decisions as you declutter.
  • Limit distractions while you declutter. Keeping it easy to think and stay on task will make your time efficient.
  • Create a system. Every time you think twice about using an item, place it in the donate bag. That system will serve  you well in making the decision once.
  • Set rules that maintain your organization.  Clutter accumulates faster than we think. Create a rule that upholds your organizing. A rule might be only wear black to work. That way you limit incoming items. Make your rule easy to uphold with easy storage.
  • Use a checklist to make tasks manageable. A checklist helps you know what steps to take in order and keeps you from overthinking the project.
  • Finish strong with time to wrap up. Get items in your car to donate. Call a donation pick-up to come to your space. Write down your successes to remember for your next decluttering session.
  • Celebrate small wins with small rewards. That might be a bubble bath with a magazine or a shout out on social media.

Let’s clear the clutter and create the serene home you want!